m obama traveled to chicago this afternoon. he became the first sitting president to cast his ballot early. the trip to illinois wrapped up a 40-hour battle ground state blitz. the president started a day with a ral in florida then an appearance in virginia where he defended health care rights of women. >> i believe women are capable and should make their own health care decisions for themselves. that is why the health care law we've passed put the choices in your hands where they belong. that is where they ought to stay as lng as i'm president of the united states of america. >> the president received a boost from a prominent republican. colin powell officially endorsed the president. he praised mr. obama's handling of the economic recovery saying america is coming out of the dive and gaining altitude. >> mitt romney spent the day in ohio where he told supporters the election is not about him or republican party but america and borrowed a line from the president saying it's time for a change in washington. >> our campaign is a